Process

WIKA
Part of your business

Solutions for pressure, temperature, force and level measurement, flow measurement, calibration and SF6 gas solutions from WIKA are an integral component of our customers' business processes.

This is why we consider ourselves to be not just suppliers of measurement components but rather more a competent partner that offers comprehensive solutions in close co-operation with our customers – customised and precisely designed products for the exact requirement.

What is the Kn factor?

All piston-cylinder units and masses which can be mounted on Desgranges & Huot pressure balances are built around a nominal mass-to-pressure conversion coefficient, Kn. The nominal effective area of each piston-cylinder size is such that, under standard conditions, a piston loaded with 1 kg of mass will generate a pressure equivalent to the Kn value. All mass values, including the mass of the piston and of themass loading bell are adjusted to be a whole number or a fraction of a kilogram. The nominal pressure defined for a pressure balance is calculated as Kn multiplied by the mass loaded in kg. Corrections are applied to Kn to calculate the pressure defined within the accuracy tolerance of the piston-cylinder assembly used. The use of Kn and whole-number masses in no way affects the traditional pressure equation nor the factors that affect a pressure measurement made with a pressure balance. Kn is the basis of a coherent relationship between mass, effective area and pressure throughout the Desgranges & Huot pressure balance series. It is intended to be a tool that reduces operator confusion and errors by simplifying the calculation of mass loads and measured pressures.